Octavo ca. 24,6x19,8 cm (9 ¾ x 7 ¾ in). 2 pp. Brown ink on bluish lined wove paper. Fold marks, several minor holes at the folds, age-toned, but overall very good letter, written in a legible hand.

Historically important collection of two original autograph letters, offering a vivid glimpse into the financial dealings between California’s pioneer gold miners.

In the letters, the authors, “Esoch Mhulack” and “S. Friar,” update their business associate, “F. B. Haight,” regarding the disposition of over 38 ounces of gold dust to the San Francisco Mint. The authors complain about their gold’s disappointing fineness and the resulting reduction in income by over a dollar per ounce. The letters further provide detailed records of the distribution of funds among the mining partners, supported by meticulous calculations. There are also mentions of other California pioneers, including “Kelly Sickles,” “James Keys,” and one “Zena”. In the rest of the letters, the authors discuss their plans to return to the States via the Nicaragua Steamship Company, expressing dissatisfaction with the high ticket prices and delays.

Overall, historically interesting collection of two original letters from the California gold-rush era.

The text of the first letter:

I have been here a week and spent my time running around the city and seeing the sights. We have just received the returns from the Mint of that dust I drew on your account $86.25. James will send up the receipt of the Mint in a letter to Bart. We have first bought our tickets and paid $150.00 for second cabin rather tough that Nicaragua Company. Sent out no boats on the 20th nor will send out any for the 1st. So there is no objection Jonas is going home with us and he will write.

I left my pistol at Nevada and if I do not get it by express before I leave I shall send you an order to get it with directions. I have not been over to Oakland yet but shall next week. I have seen Kelly and Kane Sickles and Leavi Woman?

If you receive this is time to answer so that I can get if before I leave I should like it our matters of deal araing it at your consent of XXXXXX.

The text of the second letter:

I have just been to the Mint and got the enclosed memorandum of the dust you send down by me. It did not coin as much as expected it would – the fineness was only 883 ½ thousandths – not as good as that which Jonas got coined – You said I could take one half of what it coined about $17.75$ per oz. and you will perceive that I deduct Irwins & James Keys shares out first and then make the calculations where: (calculations follow showing that they had 38.04 oz. of Gold dust and were expecting $18,85 vs. actual of $17.75 oz. and how he arrived at the payment to Zenas). I paid that $5.65 to Zenas – He is not well yes or likely to be very soon. His doctor says his disease now is not exactly venereal but a disease of the kidneys.